Schuylkill Valley football: Panthers looking to get back atop LL Section 5
Coach Bruce Harbach’s Schuylkill Valley Panthers had a rough go of it in 2025, which was plagued by injuries, finishing 5-6. But even then, the back-to-back Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 champions managed to punch their ticket to the District 3 playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The Panthers fell 35-7 in the quarterfinals at the hands of the eventual Class 3A champions, Trinity, ...
The Schuylkill Valley Panthers, formerly Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 5 champions, are aiming to reclaim their position atop the league in 2026. The 2025 season was marked by injuries and a disappointing 5-6 record, but the team still managed to secure a spot in the District 3 playoffs for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.
In the quarterfinals, the Panthers were defeated 35-7 by eventual Class 3A champions, Trinity. Coach Bruce Harbach acknowledged that the team needed to prepare for any opponent, regardless of their level of performance. The Panthers' strong field general, senior quarterback Alex Aletras, is returning for his final season, having led the league in passing yards and touchdowns.
His senior teammate, Ervin Ortiz, and wide receiver Alex Gehret are also expected to contribute significantly to the team's success. With key players returning from injuries and a focus on staying healthy throughout the season, Schuylkill Valley is set to compete fiercely in the competitive 2026 Section 5 season.
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